The 5-foot-9-inch, 155-pound beauty is the official covergirl of Essence magazine’s July 2013 “Body Issue,” proving you don’t have to be a size two to look fabulous in next to nothing. Donning a radiant smile and striking a pose in a blue ombré swimsuit by Carmen Marc Valvo, Serena exudes the type of confidence we can all aspire to.

In the issue, which she guest edited, the 31-year-old star dives into issues that range from self-esteem and aging to maintaining her health and embracing her famous curves. In fact, curvy women are having a major moment–much to Serena’s (and our) delight.

“It can be a bit weird,” she admits. “Before it was, ‘Serena has a big butt,’ and that was all,” Serena told Essence. “Now there are way more people who feel comfortable with themselves and they’re saying, ‘I’m a woman, and this is what I look like.’ I always say, ‘We’re popular now! We’re finally in style!’ ”